American Sign Language students at Hoover High School learned from several deaf speakers throughout Deaf Awareness Week last week. But what capped the week was the most hands-on of all — hugging. Lots and lots of hugging.

The students blitzed the hallways and classrooms throughout the day Friday, hugging anyone they could find and passing out Hershey's kisses.

We spoke with Morgan Hoover, a senior at Hoover High, about what Deaf Awareness Week and Free Hugs Day is all about.

"It's important that deaf people treat each other like family because deaf people often feel isolated, and they can't speak with the regular people who might be around them," Hoover signed. (Student teacher Moses McIntosh interpreted.)

"So when they meet a deaf person, they can communicate with them and make a very close bond. And that's why they hug everyone; because it's like a family. Hearing people often shake hands when they meet someone, but deaf people always hug everyone because, like I said, it's one big family."